HOUSTON, TX – The Center for Pursuit (The Center), Houston’s leading organization for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism, and similar conditions, has announced the appointment of Charles K. Njuguna as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 8.
With over 25 years of international business experience and a background in operational and financial management across the US, UK, and Africa, Njuguna brings a wealth of expertise to The Center. In addition to having served on The Center’s board of directors for close to three years and at Character Camp for four years, he is actively involved with different organizations deeply rooted in the community and was a 2022 honoree as one of Houston’s most admired CEOs. Before joining The Center, he held key leadership positions at Koil Energy, where he most recently served as chief executive officer, chief financial officer, president, and director, focusing on complex deepwater and ultra-deepwater oil and gas production distribution technologies.
“I am deeply honored to assume the CEO role at The Center for Pursuit,” said Mr. Njuguna. “With its remarkable legacy spanning more than 74 years, I am committed to building on the decades of incredible work by those who came before me. We will continue to enhance the lives of individuals with IDD, autism, and related conditions, thus ensuring The Center remains a beacon of support for many years to come.”
Njuguna succeeds Charles C. Canton, who led The Center for the past six years, guiding the organization through significant challenges, growth, and impact. Under Canton’s leadership, The Center recovered from Hurricane Harvey’s devastation at its former headquarters, built and moved into a beautiful new campus in Houston’s East End, maneuvered the pandemic, and created new programs, all while continuing to meet the needs of participants and their families.
“Together, we’ve consistently embodied the core values of our mission statement – choice, growth, and independence,” Canton wrote in his farewell message to staff. “I am grateful for how you empowered individuals with the freedom to make choices, fostered their personal growth, and supported them in achieving greater independence. Your dedication to these principles continues to make a lasting impact.”
“The Center for Pursuit has experienced significant growth and impact under the leadership of Charles C. Canton. We extend our deepest gratitude for his invaluable contributions over the past six years,” said Board Chair Dr. Allison P. Edwards. “Looking to the future, we are excited about the new leadership and the opportunity to build on the organization’s past achievements while writing the next chapter of our journey.”
About The Center for Pursuit
For more than seven decades, The Center for Pursuit (The Center) has empowered individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism and similar conditions to live meaningful, dignified lives filled with opportunity. Through innovative programs and services in areas like job skills training, supported employment, health and wellness, community living, and day services, The Center helps clients develop the skills and tools necessary to grow as individuals and participate fully in their community. Growing daily, the organization serves more than 700 individuals throughout greater Houston.